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Journal of Women in Educational Leadership Educational Administration, Department of

2007 Bubbles: The Leadership of Marilyn L. Grady University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected]

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Grady, Marilyn L., "Bubbles: The Leadership of Beverly Sills" (2007). Journal of Women in Educational Leadership. 11. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/jwel/11

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Educational Administration, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Women in Educational Leadership by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Bubbles: The Leadership of B~ver~L~ills Marilyn L. Grady

Leadership examples and women leaders can be found in many venues. The recent passing of Beverly Si lis (J 929-2007) spawned a flurry of tributes re­ counting the legacy she leaves. Described as "one of the finest high-flying of the latter 20th century, she leaves behind a rich legacy of re­ cOl"dings and an scene revitalized by her tireless efforts on behalf of American singers." (Serinus) Von Rhein noted, "She embodied the American dream that anyone, from anywhere, can achieve anything if he or she works hard enough ... Sills' rise from humble origins, years of struggle and family tragedy to triumph as a singer and opera administrator touched millions who wouldn't have been caught dead in an opera house ... Sills' greatest achievement, beyond her early vocal triumphs, was as a popularizer of high art. one who could sell opera to the masses without breaking faith with the classical cognoscenti." A Globe editorial noted, "She loved her art so generously that she was a glowing example of the vita] importance of passion. Everyone should love something that much." Marsee wrote, "'Her greatest attribute, besides the obvious one of being a great singer and interpreter, "vas the way she treated people. Everyone \,vas greeted as though they were long-lost friends. Ev­ eryone wanted to talk to 'Bubbles' and experienc{~ her 'bubbly' presence." Marsee also wrote, "My husband, lvlark Weinstein, who worked for Beverly at Opera years later, was always amazed at her out­ standing business skills. No wonder then that every "retirement' led to greater responsibilities-from star singer to general director at City Opera to head of and finally to board chairman of the ." These quotes from Serinus, von Rhein, The Boston Globe, and Marsee reflect a fragment of the tributes written to recall the impact Beverly Sills has had through her life and work. The attributes noted in these few brief quotes, suggest her leadership. "The way she treated people," "a glowing example of the vital importance of passion" reflect what we know about leaders. References Marsee, S. "'Appreciation: Beverly Sills, my hero, my friend:' l\1usic. Re­ trieved July 9, 2007 from http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/ 07189/799564-388.

Jounlal o{Womcn in Educational Leadership. vb!. 5. No, J""July 2007 ISSN: 1541,·6224 <.02007 Pro>;\ctivc Publications 157 158 M. Grady Serinus, J.V. "' Beverly Sills Dead at 78." Stereophile. Retrieved July 9, 2007 from http://www.stereophile.comlnews/070907 si IIs/. The Boston Globe. "Opera's American accent. Retrieved July 9, 2007 from http://www.boston.comlnews/globe/editorial_opinion/editorialsI. Von Rhein, J. "America's diva popularized high art." Retrieved July 9, 2007 from http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/new s/celebrityl mmx-0708_sillsj.